“Sue is the perfect person,” AHF co-chair Cheryl Lounsbury said in a press release.

Saucier said that Town Councilman Tom Lombardi called her with the news and she was surprised. She will head up the parade, scheduled for the first week of the festival on Sunday, Oct. 2 at 2 p.m.

“I didn’t expect it, but it is an honor,” she said. “I love the parade.”

Not shy about community engagement, Saucier has been a regular volunteer with the Apple Harvest Festival for 10 years. “I volunteered with a friend and worked with the Hostesses and had the best time,” she said. “It’s nice to be involved again.”

After 36 years with Southington Youth Services, Saucier retired with many recognized achievements. Her participation in the town’s youth programs helped many families throughout Southington and made her a viable candidate for Grand Marshal.

“Someone like Sue never truly retires, and she will continue to do amazing things,” said Lombardi. “Her involvement with the Apple Harvest in the past is much appreciated, and the entire committee felt that she exemplifies what it really means to put community before self.”

Lombardi said that the committee felt it was appropriate to honor her as this year’s Parade Grand Marshal.

For more info, including a map of the parade route and a list of former AHF Grand Marshals, visit www.Southington.org/AHF